Abstract: Disclosed herein are genetically engineered microbes. In one embodiment, a genetically engineered microbe includes a metabolic pathway for the production of an alcohol from an organic acid. For instance, a genetically engineered microbe converts acetate, butyrate, propionate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, caproate, or phenylacetate, to Ethanol, Butanol, Propanol, Isobutanol, 1-Pentanol, Isoamylalcohol, 1-Hexanol, Phenylethanol, respectively. Also provided herein are methods of using the microbes.

Abstract: Provided herein are genetically engineered archaea. A genetically engineered archaea includes a heterologous polynucleotide that has a promoter operably linked to a coding region, where the coding region encodes a polypeptide having optimal activity below the optimum growth temperature (Topt) of the genetically engineered archaeon. Also provided herein are methods for using genetically engineered archaea and cell-free extracts of such genetically engineered archaea. In one embodiment, the methods include culturing a genetically engineered archaeon at a temperature that is at least 20° C. below the Topt of the genetically engineered archaeon, such that the activity in the genetically engineered archaeon of a polypeptide encoded by the coding region is increased compared to the activity in the genetically engineered archaeon of the polypeptide during growth at a second temperature that is at or near the Topt of the genetically engineered archaeon.